Kayaking Milford Sound Roscos Guided Kayak Tours

Welcome to New Zealand’s most spectacular Sea Kayaking destination – Milford Sound.

Escape the crowds and explore the grandeur of this area from a safe, stable sea kayak with your own personal guide, Regardless of whether you’re a first time paddler or an experienced kayaker, join one of our various professional guided expeditions at Rosco’s Milford Kayaks located right in the heart of Fiordland’s Milford Sound.

Navigate your kayak through shimmering Milford Sound water which looks the same today as it did a thousand years ago and enjoy one of the top Milford Sound Activities you can do today. Waterfalls tumble from hundreds of metres above as you feel the spray kiss your face, marvel at the ancient rainforest clinging to the steep cliffs of the fiord alongside you parted by glorious waterfalls, and experience friendly New Zealand wildlife up close including Fur Seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins, famous Blue Penguins and even Bottlenose Dolphins. This kayaking adventure is amazing and will create memories that you will hold for a lifetime.

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks are the longest established owner operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand. With over twenty years’ worth of experience to back them up, Rosco’s pride themselves on their eco-friendly tours and are the only company to run kayak trips to the outer Fiord (including Stirling Falls). They offer a range of sea kayaking options to choose from, but book early to avoid disappointment. All trips depart from Milford Sound besides the Sunriser, which can include transfers from Te Anau.

Kayaking tours are available all year round.

Sunriser Classic – “Rosco’s original” $155 pp

The Sunrise Classic is the most popular option during the summer and winter months. This adventure was pioneered by Rosco in 1991 and loops around Milford, giving you the chance to experience the best sights on offer.

No experience required
5 hours paddling time
Departs between 7.30am and 10am depending on time of year and sunrise (returns 5.5 hours later)

Day Safari – (Sunriser Classic with transfers from Te Anau) $190 pp

This is a combo offer and merges the Sunriser Classic with a fully guided return road trip from Te Anau. Experience the sights of New Zealand’s most popular alpine road on your way to your kayaking adventure at Milford Sound.

No experience required
5 hours paddling time
Departs between 6am and 7am depending on time of year and sunrise (returns to Te Anau between 6pm & 7pm)
This is the only tour that offers return transfers from Te Anau (2 hours drive each way to Milford)

The following tours are available summer months only (October – April)

Stirling Sunriser – “Go further, see more” $205 pp

As part of a small group (seven people), you will enjoy an intimate, relaxed trip by water taxi to just beyond Stirling Falls (151m). On your kayak, you will have the chance to get up close to the waterfall, and even partway under it, if you’re brave enough! This exhilarating trip is a very popular option and is fun for all.

No experience required
5 hours paddling time
Departs 9am (returns by 2pm)

Morning Glory – “The full length of Milford” $209 pp

The Morning Glory is Rosco’s premium kayaking experience. With a small group limit (seven people); you can experience your beautiful surroundings in a more intimate setting. After paddling from Milford to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting), you will get to relax in the water taxi on your way back. This tour requires some paddling experience and a good level of fitness, as you may encounter waves and sea breeze.

Experienced paddlers only
4 -5 hours paddling time
Departs 6am (returns by midday)

Twilighter – “Adventure paddling at its best” $199 pp

For the more adventurous kayakers, this experience takes your small group (seven people max.) along the same route as the Stirling Sunriser, but the afternoon breeze adds a bit of choppiness to the water. Most days allow for sailing and kayak surfing, giving an exciting edge to your journey; but the highlight of the trip is witnessing the gorgeous twilight views as you complete the journey, by floating in to Deepwater Basin – simply amazing!

Suitable for people with good water confidence
5 hours paddling time
Departs 4pm (returns by 9pm)

Paddle n Walk – “The finest walk in the world” $129 pp

This one-on-one after hours Milford Track experience is a must-do for those wanting to experience Milford Sound intimately. Beginning with a paddle around the gorgeous Deepwater Basin, you continue on to Sandfly Point for a gentle walk through the stunning rainforest.

No experience needed
3 hours paddling
Departs 2pm (returns by 7.30pm)

Trips Include

approx 3 – 5 hours paddling in double kayaks
Experienced local guides
Day Safari includes transfers from Te Anau

Duration

Allow 5 – 6 hours
Allow 11 hours for the Day Safari from Te Anau

Departures:

Early morning or mid afternoon
All trips depart from Milford Sound (Day Safari departs from Te Anau)
Sunriser Classic operates all year (other trips operate in Summer only Oct – Apr)

Information about the trips:

All trips depart from Milford Sound except the Day Safari which includes return transfers from Te Anau
Only the Sunriser Classic & Day Safari operate all year
If you are reasonably active you will find our trips fairly easy. If you want a longer challenging trip, book the Morning Glory – you will not be disappointed
Minimum age is 14 years old
We provide all specialist paddling attire designed to keep you warm & dry. Polypro under garments & fleece, neoprene spray decks & gloves, paddle jackets, buoyancy aides & dry bags. Our changing “tent” is heated to a balmy 30 degrees C before & after our trips. Your bags & valuables will be stored in our lockers. We paddle safe, stable double kayaks with foot operated rudders
Bring: a camera with a fresh set of batteries & plenty of film/memory (we supply a dry bag for it), lunch & snack food, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, insect repellent, shorts, soft shoes, warm fleece or wool hat, a spare pair of warm socks, rain jacket, towel, a change of clothes & finally a bag to keep everything in

What to Bring: Camera, Sunscreen, Lip balm SPF15, Insect repellent, Shorts, Soft shoes or sandals, Sunglasses, Warm clothing, Wool or fleece hat, Waterproof jacket, Lunch and high energy snack foods, Towel, Change of clothes, Personal Medication.